London's skyscraper boom - in pictures

It's well known that Ken Livingstone was a fan of the skyscraper and ushered in a new high-rise era during his time as London mayor. But the dash for height has continued under Boris Johnson, despite his initial promise to take a tougher stance. Most of the 20-plus towers currently being built or about to break ground fail to meet development guidelines, argues our architecture critic. So what has happened to the planning system?

One Nine ElmsHeight 200m and 160mApproved 2012; due 2016The soon-to-be-completed Vauxhall Tower at St George Wharf has paved the way for many in the area. One Nine Elms is higher and wider, but was recently approved with relatively little debate

Vauxhall TowerHeight 181mApproved 2005; nearing completionThe outcome of a public inquiry was that it should not be built, but John Prescott liked it so much he gave it permission anyway. Officially named The Tower, One St George Wharf

Vauxhall CrossHeight 140m and 115mApproved 2012; due 2015Leading architect Terry Farrell was appointed to produce a masterplan for the Vauxhall/Nine Elms area. Squire’s proposal, he said, broke its principles but, after a public inquiry, it got permission anyway

Vauxhall Sky GardensHeight 120mApproved 2008/2010Granted planning permission as a residential “eco-tower”, with a patchwork glass façade, the design has since been considerably simplified. CABE found the new version “not credible”, but it got permission anyway

Eastbury HouseHeight 85mApproved 2012Richard Rogers helped frame the policies that encouraged tall buildings, on the basis that higher densities would create “vibrancy”. Here his practice designs a results of those policies, on Albert Embankment

Hampton HouseHeight 85mApproved 2008A group of three towers which will be built in the cluster of tall buildings at Vauxhall and Nine Elms. Once they might have stirred some debate, but now they are modest compared with their proposed neighbours

Elizabeth HouseHeight 120mApproved 2012; due 2016Planners and the mayor were more demanding on this mixed-use site in Waterloo than usual, leading to two previous architects being rejected before David Chipperfield was installed at the helm. The design is much more thoughtful than the average

Doon Street TowerHeight 140mApproved 2008Another inquiry, another recommendation of refusal and another minister – Hazel Blears – who disagreed. This Waterloo tower does come with a pool, and a new HQ for Rambert Dance Company at its base

Beetham TowerHeight 163mApproved 2008; due 2018Known as 1 Blackfriars, this tower was sold to the planners with the help of a public viewing gallery and design by Ian Simpson. The gallery has now been omitted, and the Simpson design modified

20 BlackfriarsHeight 148m and 105mApproved 2008; due 2015Another addition to the Blackfriars cluster, these two towers are more simple and elegant than many, but still make minimal attempt to relate to their present or future surroundings

240 BlackfriarsHeight 89mApproved 2011; due 2014A crystalline wedge on the fringes of the cluster of towers emerging at Blackfriars, close to Tate Modern. At 89m, this office block is one of the lower of the new wave of tall buildings

Strata TowerHeight 148mApproved 2006; completed 2010Winner of the Carbuncle Cup 2010, this residential site features three wind turbines in its crown, as a gesture to sustainability. They are rarely seen to turn, however

St Mary’s ResidentialHeight 127mApproved 2012; due 2015Located alongside Strata SE1, and described as “a significant milestone” in the regneration of the area, it is a much more restrained design than Strata, and unlikely to win the Carbuncle Cup

The ShardHeight 304mApproved 2003; completed 2012The highest, pointiest, most famous and arguably most beautiful of the new London towers. Renzo Piano’s mixed-use building set a standard that most later projects are failing to meet

The QuillHeight 109mApproved 2010; due 2014Its architects said this students’ residence tower, close to the Shard in Southwark, would “delight and inspire” residents. CABE called it “ungainly” and “awkward”. It got permission anyway

100 BishopsgateHeight 172mApproved 2007; construction yet to startAmid debates about the more conspicuous Walkie Talkie and Cheesegrater, this office building slipped through relatively unnoticed. Another that benefits from simplicity

The PinnacleHeight 288mApproved 2006; construction currently suspendedAlso known as the Helter Skelter, and currently as the Stump, as building work has been halted. This office development will eventually be the tallest building in the City

CheesegraterHeight 225mApproved 2005; due 2013Across the street from the Richard Rogers-designed Lloyds Building, it slopes back as it rises, so as to reduce its impact on views of St Paul’s Cathedral down Fleet Street

Walkie TalkieHeight 160mApproved 2007; due 2014This City office block swells as it rises, to reflect the fact that floor space is worth more at the top. A “public space” is promised on the roof. Its steel frame is currently taking shape

Columbus TowerHeight 237mApproved 2009The mayor of London can approve or reject significant planning applications. Boris Johnson has used this power only once, to consent to this tower in Canary Wharf after the London borough of Tower Hamlets rejected it

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London's skyline is set to get a lot more crowded over the coming years as recent additions such as the Gherkin and Shard are joined by more than 200 tall towers proposed, approved or already under construction